Dr. Gloria Aderonke Otunola
My Social Links

Dr. Gloria Aderonke Otunola

Senior Research Fellow (Food & Nutritional Biochemist; Functional Food Scientist)
Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Highest Degree
Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Share this Profile

Biography

Gloria Aderonke Otunola, (PhD Biochemistry: Food & Nutrition), is a Functional Food Scientist, with SA NRF rating C2. She is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Leader MPED-RNA, University of Fort Hare, South Africa. Her research is on applied biochemical, nutritional and pharmacological translation of medicinal plants/foods for prevention/treatment of malnutrition and chronic diseases.

Area of Interest:

Molecular Sciences
100%
Fortification of Foods
62%
Chronic Diseases
90%
Medicinal Plants
75%
Nutrition Biochemistry
55%

Research Publications in Numbers

Books
0
Chapters
2
Articles
65
Abstracts
29

Selected Publications

  1. Otunola, G.A., 2022. Culinary spices in food and medicine: An overview of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L. M. Perry [Myrtaceae]. Front. Pharmacol., Vol. 12. 10.3389/fphar.2021.793200.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  2. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2022. In vitro alpha-amylase inhibition, antioxidant, nutritional and sensory properties of functional spice-blend fortified cookies. Funct. Foods Health Dis., 12: 56-69.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  3. Mhlomi, Y.N., J.O. Unuofin, G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2022. Assessment of rats fed protein-deficient diets supplemented with moringa oleifera leaf meal. Curr. Res. Nutr. Food Sci., 10: 45-55.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  4. Izuegbuna, O., G.A. Otunola and G. Bradley, 2022. GC-MS profiling and antineoplastic activity of pelargonium lnquinans ait leaves on acute leukaemia cell lines U937 and Jurkat. Nutr. Cancer, 74: 1849-1871.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  5. Hedhili, A., B.E. Akinyemi, G.A. Otunola, P.A. Ashie-Nikoi, M. Kulkarni, F. Husson and D. Valentin, 2022. Moringa oleifera Lam.: A comparative survey on consumer knowledge, usage, attitude and belief in Africa and India. S. Afr. J. Bot., 147: 153-162.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  6. Hedhili, A., B.E. Akinyemi, G.A. Otunola, F. Husson and D. Valentin, 2022. Food habits and beliefs about Moringa oleifera among south african student mothers: a qualitative study. Cah. Agric. Vol. 31. 10.1051/cagri/2022020.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  7. Otunola, G.A. and D. Martirosyan, 2021. Choosing suitable food vehicles for functional food products. Funct. Foods Health Dis., 11: 44-55.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  8. Nallal, V.U.M., K. Prabha, I. VethaPotheher, B. Ravindran and A. Baazeem et al., 2021. Sunlight-driven rapid and facile synthesis of Silver nanoparticles using Allium ampeloprasum extract with enhanced antioxidant and antifungal activity. Saudi J. Biol. Sci., 28: 3660-3668.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  9. Asowata-Ayodele, A. M., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan 2021. The nutrient, mineral and anti-nutrient studies of two indigenous South African Spices. J. Adv. Biology Biotechnol., 24: 15-23.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  10. Abifarin, T.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2021. Nutritional composition and antinutrient content ofHeteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) cham. & schltdl. leaves: An underutilized wild vegetable. Food Sci. Nutr., 9: 172-179.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  11. Abifarin, T.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2021. Cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities of heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) cham leaves. Processes, Vol. 9. 10.3390/pr9091671.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  12. Odeyemi, S.W., E.O. Ajayi, G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2020. Silver nanoparticles biosynthesis by Elaeodendron croceum stem bark and leaves extracts, their anti-bacterial and cytotoxicity activities. Inorganic Nano-Metal Chem., 51: 399-410.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  13. Adegbaju, O.D., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2020. Effects of growth stage and seasons on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of crude extracts of Celosia argentea L. Heliyon, Vol. 6. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04086.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  14. Maposa, M.S., A.AJ. Afolayan and O.GA. Otunola, 2020. Toxicity assessment of vachellia karro (Hayne) banfi and galasso pods using brine shrimp assay. Pharmacogn. J., 12: 1-5.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  15. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Proximate and elemental composition of leaf, corm, root and peel of Hypoxis hemerocallidea: A Southern African multipurpose medicinal plant. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., 32: 535-539.
    Direct Link  |  
  16. Mhlomi, Y.N. G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Biochemical, hematological and histopathological indices of wistar rats fed vitamin and mineral deficient diets supplemented with moringa oleifera leaf meal. Curr. Nutr. Food Sci., 15: 608-620.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  17. Maposa, S., A.J. Afolayan and G.A. Otunola, 2019. Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of Vachellia karroo hayne banfi and galasso pods used traditionally for the treatment of venereal diseases. Int. J. Pharmacol., 15: 772-776.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  18. Izuegbuna, O., G. Otunola and G. Bradley, 2019. Estimation of phytochemical, vitamins composition and antioxidant activity of pelargonium inquinans leaves. Pharmacogn. J., 11: 237-244.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  19. Izuegbuna, O., G. Otunola and G. Bradley, 2019. Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes. PLoS One, Vol. 14. 10.1371/journal.pone.0209682.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  20. Adegbaju, O.D., G.A. Otunola, A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Influence of plant maturity on antimicrobial properties and toxicity of Celosia argentea. J. Biol. Sci., 19 : 280-289.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  21. Adegbaju, O.D., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient content of Celosia argentea at three stages of maturity. South Afr. J. Bot., 124: 372-379.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  22. Adegbaju, O.D., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Potential of celosia species in alleviating micronutrient deficiencies and prevention of diet-related chronic diseases: A review. AIMS Agric. Food, 4: 458-484.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  23. Abifarin, T.O., A.J. Afolayan and G.A.Otunola, 2019. Phytochemical and antioxidant activities of Cucumis africanus L.f A wild vegetable of South Africa. J. Evid.-Based Integr. Med., 24: 1-8.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  24. ADEGBAJU O.D., G.A. OTUNOLA and A.J. AFOLAYAN, 2019. Foliar micromorphology and histochemical localization of specific metabolites in the leaves of celosia argentea l. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca 47: 1128-1135.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  25. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Inhibition of key enzymes linked to obesity and cytotoxic activities of whole plant Extracts of Vernonia mesplilfolia less. Processes, https://doi.org/10.3390/pr7110841.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  26. Adegbaju, O.D. G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2019. Foliar micromorphology and histochemical localization of specific metabolites in the leaves of celosia argentea L. Not. Bot. Horti. Agrobo., 47: 1128-1135.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  27. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunolaa and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. Acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of the tuber of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn in Wistar rats. J. Complement. Med. Integr., 10.1515/jcim-2017-0139.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  28. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. Polyphenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Vernonia mespilifolia Less. used in folk medicine in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. J. Evidence-Based Integr. Med., 23: 1-9.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  29. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of whole-plant aqueous extract of Vernonia mespilifolia Less. in wistar rats. J. Integr. Med., 16: 335-341.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  30. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. In vitro α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of tuber extracts of Kedrostis Africana (L.) Cogn. Heliyon Vol.4. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00810.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  31. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. Evaluation of the physicochemical, proximate and sensory properties of moinmoin from blends of cowpea and water yam flour. Food Sci. Nutr., 6: 991-997.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  32. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. Chemical composition, antibacterial and in vitro anti-inflammatory potentials of essential oils from different plant parts of Moringa oleifera Lam. Am. J. Biochem. Biotechnol., 14: 210-220.
  33. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. In vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and toxicity profile of silver nanoparticles green-synthesized and characterized from aqueous extract of a spice blend formulation. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Equip., 32: 724-733.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  34. Adegbaju, O.D., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2018. Effect of temperature, light and sowing depth on seed germination of Celosia argentea L. Asian J. Plant Sci., 17: 47-55.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  35. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Toxicity evaluation of Vernonia mespilifolia less (A South Africa medicinal plant) using brine shrimp. J. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 12: 103-110.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  36. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Toxicity assessment of Kedrostis africana Cogn: A medicinal plant used in the management of obesity in South Africa using brine shrimp (Artemia salina Linn.) assay. Int. J. Pharmaceut. Sci. Res., 8: 3719-3725.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  37. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed., 7: 901-908.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  38. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Nutritional evaluation of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn: An edible wild plant of South Africa. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed., 7: 443-449.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  39. Unuofin, J.O., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Essential oil composition, nutrient and anti-nutrient analysis of Vernonia mespilifolia Less. Res. J. Bot., 12: 38-45.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  40. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Assessment of the oral safety profile of the aqueous extract from a blend of three medicinal spices in Wistar rats. Trop. J. Pharm. Res., 16: 91-99.
  41. Otang-Mbeng, W., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Lifestyle factors and co-morbidities associated with obesity and overweight in nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. J. Health, Popul. Nutr., Vol. 36. 10.1186/s41043-017-0098-9.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  42. Ajayi, E.O., S.W. Odeyemi, G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2017. Characterization and biological activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized from stems of sarcocephalus latifolius (SM) ea bruce and Massularia acuminata (G. Don) bullock ex hoyl.(Rubiaceae). Asian J. Chem., 29: 1240-1248.
  43. Otunola, G.A., A.J. Afolayan, E.O. Ajayi and S.W. Odeyemi, 2016. Characterization, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous extracts of Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale and Capsicum frutensces. Pharmacogn. Mag., .
  44. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2016. Therapeutic effect of aqueous extracts of three dietary spices and their mixture on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in a rat model of chronic alcohol consumption. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., 29: 1155-1161.
  45. Mgobozi, V., A.J. Afolayan and G.A. Otunola, 2016. Heavy metal uptake potential of Egeria densa (Plach) Casp. South Afr. J. Bot., 103: 331-332.
    CrossRef  |  
  46. Asowata-Ayodele, A.M., G.A. Otunola and A.J. Afolayan, 2016. Assessment of the polyphenolic content, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of acetone and aqueous extracts of Lippia javanica (Burm. F.) spreng. Pharm. Mag., 12: S353-S362.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  47. Asowata-Ayodele, A.M., A.J. Afolayan and G.A. Otunola, 2016. Foliar micromorphology of Lippia javanica (Burm. F) Spreng. Afr. J. Traditional Complementary Alter. Med., 13: 237-242.
    Direct Link  |  
  48. Asowata-Ayodele, A.M., A.J. Afolayan and G.A. Otunola, 2016. Ethnobotanical survey of culinary herbs and spices used in the traditional medicinal system of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. South Afr. J. Bot., 104: 69-75.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  49. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2015. Antidiabetic effect of combined spices of Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale and Capsicum frutescens in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Frontiers Life Sci., 8: 314-323.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  50. Otunola, G.A., O.B. Oloyede, A.T. Oladiji and A.J. Afolayan, 2014. Selected spices and their combination modulate hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats. Biol. Res., Vol. 47. 10.1186/0717-6287-47-5.
    CrossRef  |  PubMed  |  Direct Link  |  
  51. Babayeju, A., C. Gbadebo, M. Obalowu, G. Otunola and I. Nmom et al., 2014. Comparison of Organoleptic properties of Egusi and Efo Riro soup blends produced with moringa and spinach leaves. Food Sci. Qual. Manage., 28: 15-18.
    Direct Link  |  
  52. Afolayan, A.J. and G.A. Otunola, 2014. Ultrastructure and elemental analysis of Hypoxis hemerocallidea: A multipurpose medicinal plant. Afr. J. Traditional Complementary Alter. Med., 11: 39-43.
    Direct Link  |  
  53. Sola-Ojo, F.E., G.A. Otunola and A.A. Toye, 2013. Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf stalk plus enzyme on phenotypic correlation between zoometric traits in marshall broiler chickens starter phase. J. Agric. Res. Dev., 12: 1-12.
    CrossRef  |  
  54. Otunola, G.A., A.K. Arise, F.E. Sola-Ojo, I.O. Nmom and A.A. Toye, 2013. Effect of addition of moringa leaf by-product (Leaf-Waste) on proximate and sensory characteristics of cookies. Agrosearch, 13: 69-76.
    CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |  
  55. Otunola, G.A. and A.J. Afolayan, 2013. Evaluation of the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper and their mixture. J. Applied Bot. Food Q., 86: 66-70.
    CrossRef  |  
  56. Omotesho, K.F., F.E. Sola-Ojo, T.R. Fayeye, R.O. Babatunde, G.A. Otunola and T.H. Aliyu, 2013. The potential of Moringa tree for poverty alleviation and rural development: Review of evidences on usage and efficacy. Int. J. Dev. Sustainability, 2: 799-813.
  57. Otunola, G.A., O.B. Oloyede, A.T. Oladiji and A.J. Afolayan, 2012. Hypolipidemic effect of aqueous extracts of selected spices and their mixture on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats. Can. J. Pure Applied Sci., 6: 2063-2071.
  58. Kolawole, F.L., M.A. Balogun and G.A. Otunola, 2011. Proximate composition and storage stability of weaning diet produced from cereals fortified with melon. J. Applied Environ. Sci., 6: 108-112.
  59. Otunola, G.A., O.B. Oloyede, A.T. Oladiji and A.A. Afolayan, 2010. Effects of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia on the lipid profile and some enzyme activities in female Wistar rats. Afr. J. Biochem. Res., 4: 149-154.
    Direct Link  |  
  60. Otunola, G.A., H.O.B. Oloyede, A.T. Oladiji and A.J. Afolayan, 2010. Comparative analysis of the chemical composition of three spices-Allium sativum L., Zingiber officinale Rosc. and Capsicum frutensces L. commonly consumed in Nigeria. Afr. J. Biotechnol., 9: 6927-6931.
  61. Adebayo, G.B., G.A. Otunola and T.A. Ajao, 2010. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of kunu prepared from millet, maize and guinea corn and stored at selected temperatures. Adv. J. Food Sci. Technol., 2: 41-46.
  62. Adebayo, G.B., G.A. Otunola and T.A. Ajao, 2010. Assessment and biological treatment of effluent from textile industry. Afr. J. Biotechnol., 9: 8365-8368.
    Direct Link  |  
  63. Otunola, G.A., G.B. Adebayo and O.G. Olufemi, 2009. Evaluation of some physicochemical parameters of selected brands of vegetable oils sold in Ilorin metropolis. Int. J. Phys. Sci., 4: 327-329.
    Direct Link  |  
  64. Adebayo, G.B., G.A. Otunola and F.O. Oladipo, 2009. Determination of trace elements in selected organs of cow for safety consumption among rural dwellers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Pak. J. Nutr., 8: 1855-1857.
    Direct Link  |  
  65. Otunola, G.A. and G.B. Adebayo, 2006. Proximate composition and some physicochemical properties of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) Oil. J. Interdisciplinary Sci. Technol., 1: 98-103.
  66. Oyelola, B.O., G.A. Otunola and D.F. Apata, 2004. Assessment of protein quality of processed melon seed as a component of poultry feed. Nig. Soc. Exp. Biol., 16: 80-87.
    Direct Link  |  
  67. Otunola, G.A., O.B. Oloyede and D.F. Apata, 2002. Effect of replacing Soybean meal with raw and processed melon cake on the performance of Broiler chicks. Biosci. Res. Public., 14: 115-122.